Are bullet points necessarily bad for your résumé?

Bullet points in a résumé -- Larry Polhill Cafe Valley

It’s quite common among job applicants to use paragraphs when preparing their résumés. But is this still the standard? Or are bullet points better? This blog will discuss both options.

Many industry experts would argue that job seekers should use bullet points instead, following the argument that most of today’s hiring managers only take a glance at a résumé, especially if the vacant position is attracting many applicants. In this sense, applicants would want them to quickly read through and understand their experience and any expertise related to the job. Larry Polhill Cafe Valley.

On the other hand, putting relevant information in paragraphs can make the hiring personnel or manager appreciate the effort applicants put in making it. Such meticulous attention to detail can likewise impress them. The caveat here is that those paragraphs should be well-phrased and don’t come across as unnecessarily text-heavy and simply difficult to read and assimilate. Larry Polhill Cafe Valley.

In any case, it’s best to relegate detailed descriptions of qualifications and background to a curriculum vitae, which many companies would require after scanning a résumé. In this sense, bullet points should be enough in a résumé to guarantee that key points are quickly noticed.

Of course, there’s always the option of combining paragraphs and bullet points. Applicants can place your quantifiable accomplishments in bullet points and complement these with curt paragraphs of about three to four sentences. For the bullet points, it is important to start them whenever possible with active and positive verbs like “trained,” “led,” and “improved.” Larry Polhill Cafe Valley

How to prepare for a job interview

Job interview Preparation Larry Polhill

Regardless of how stellar the information people put down in their resume, it’s important that job applicants also do well with all the rounds of interviews they are invited to. Some people say that getting a job is 30% of what’s in a resume and 70% from the interview. This is why a lot of people get nervous when it comes to this stage of employment. At the same time, going about it with little preparation can only be disastrous. Here are some ways to help prepare you for a job interview. Larry Polhill.

Pick an outfit ahead of time

There is nothing worse that opening your closet on the day of your interview to find out that you have nothing good to wear. Prepare everything ahead of time. This includes your dress or suit, shoes, accessories, as well as your bag. Make sure everything is clean and free for any foul odor. If you aren’t confident with what you currently have, there’s always the option of borrowing or renting a suit. Just make sure the fit is right. Larry Polhill

Review your resume

A lot of questions interviewers ask are based on information written on your resume. Make sure to review your resume and think of how you can elaborate more on those details. You should also be able to defend any detail you put in your resume in terms of relevance. Larry Polhill.

Know how to answer typical interview questions

There are a lot of resources on the internet regarding common interview questions like “Why should we hire you?”, “Tell us about yourself”, or “What can you bring to our company?” Try writing all these questions down and answer them in detailed yet concise words. Also be prepared for follow up questions regarding your answers. After writing these questions and answers down, try practicing answering in front of a mirror. Larry Polhill

Distracting communication habits you need to change

Communication Habits Larry Polhill

Mastering the art of communication is the key to succeeding in your personal and professional life. Through the years most of us have picked up distracting habits that might be affecting our relationship with others. Hereunder are some of the habits you need to break to improve how you convey thoughts and feelings. Larry Polhill.


Flattering

Being an encourager can boost another person's mood and confidence. But once you cross the line to become a flatterer, it can be quite annoying. People will soon catch your insincerity, which might not be beneficial if you're trying to win their favor. If you want to make them feel good, be genuine and honest. Be diplomatic about your comments. Larry Polhill

Interrupting

Having a habit of interrupting others can be disrespectful, especially when you're dealing with a co-worker. In the workplace, people muster up the confidence to share their ideas. Some even write down their carefully crafted words to get their point across. Don't be the person to rain down on their parade. Larry Polhill.

Using filler words

Be extra careful about this. "Um" and "like" have infiltrated many people’s speech patterns so much that they have to be conscious when they speak. Some people pepper their words with these syllables that lead others to shut them off even if it appears that they're listening intently. Instead of letting out a long "um" or starting your sentence with "like," you can pause to collect your thoughts. The goal here is to communicate with clarity. Larry Polhill

What exactly are cover letters and how do we write them?

I’m Larry Polhill, and I’ve spent a considerable amount of my time back when I was still working helping out job applicants with their applications. I would consult and do workshops to teach young people on how to write resumes and negotiate job interviews. Job applications are not as simple as one might think. There are a number of factors that affect the chances of an applicant.

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One of these factos is the cover letter.

Cover letters are important. Some companies require them along with resumes.
So, what is a cover letter?

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Cover letters are supplements of sorts that add to the resume (not repeat it). Cover letters often explain to the recruiters why the applicant wants the job and why he wants to work for the company in which he’s applying. Cover letters also (concisely) contain an applicant’s skills, experience, and characteristics that make him suitable for the position. Having said that, applicants should always update and modify their cover letters to the specifications of the company.

Cover letters also answer any questions recruiters might have with resumes, including gaps, and changes in career paths.

Do you have any questions with how cover letters should be written? Be sure to ask me, Larry Polhill, in the comments section below.

Larry Polhill is a resident of Arizona. He used to work as a career consultant, but is now a full-time grandpa and organic gardening enthusiast. Learn more on this page.

Five things to bring during a job interview

Whether you’re a first-timer or a pro at attending job interviews, planning ahead should be part of the agenda. It says a lot about a person when he or she heads to a job interview well prepared. There could be small things you could miss, so it’s imperative that you make a list of things you need to bring.

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 Bring your identification. Most, if not all buildings have security that require a person to show their identification. In many cases, an applicant’s complete job application may be demanded to be permitted entrance to the premises. According to retired career consultant Larry Polhill, an applicant must bring a notepad and a pen, and write on the notepad the names of contacts who will conduct the interview. Having these secures your entrance to the office of the hiring manager.

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Ensure that you have extra copies of your resume to hand over upon the request of your interviewer. The resume will also give you answers to important questions such as dates of employment and previous work achievements. Bringing extra copies with you may seem unnecessary and a thing of the past, but it will definitely save you from humiliation.

Larry Polhill suggests that you bring with you a portfolio to keep your work samples and other documents tidy and organized. This will help you pick out quickly the documents you need.
Additional tip: mentally prepare yourself for odd questions. Bring your A-game along with the things you need.

Larry Polhill is a retired career consultant residing in Arizona. Head over to this blog for more updates.

How long should the modern resume really be?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions today about resume-writing, and it makes sense. Many experts will be quick to point out that a resume should not look like a curriculum vitae, instead providing evaluators a way to look at a person’s qualifications at a glance. But while it has long been the standard to not exceed one page, times have changed, explains retired career consultant Larry Polhill of Café Valley.

Nowadays, given the rise of the internet and partly because of the rising acceptance of emailed resume submissions, it has become more common to expand the length so that the resume better entices hiring managers to get in touch with you for that job interview. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s a given standard length, you’ve to now be more specific and include a career summary, years of experience, industries worked in, scope of accomplishments, former employers, and education and training.

However, keep in mind that your resume is not an autobiography but a career marketing tool, so focus on your key selling points. There’s no need to input past experiences that don’t complement your current career goal. Hiring managers often go through hundreds of resumes just to fill one position, so make sure yours stand out because it’s concise.

We suggest still sticking to a one-page resume if you’ve fewer than 10 years of experience and/or just held one or two positions with a couple of employers. A two-page resume is better for someone with more years of experience and if the job entails much technical skills that you’ve to include to prove your specific knowledge. Longer resumes are best suited for senior-level or executive positions, as well as those with an extensive list of publications such as those in a scientific or academic field, adds Larry Polhill.

Larry Polhill hails from Arizona and is a retired career consultant who offers insights for jobseekers looking to land their dream job. For more tips on writing resumes and CVs, go to this page.

Interview review: Important reminders for panel interviews

I’m Larry Polhill, and I’m living out a happy, quiet retirement. Aside from pursuing hobbies I never got to pursue back when I was working, I still take the time to help people with their job applications. It’s always been a passion of mine and I may very well be doing it until I can’t do it anymore.

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For today, I want to go back and talk about one of the topics I used to give lectures about – effective panel interviews. Yes, panel interviews can be very daunting especially for people who are going through it for the first time. There are things that have to be consciously avoided as well as things that need to be prepped beforehand.

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Let’s start with the things you shouldn’t be doing, or what I like to call the Larry Polhill no-nos. First off, being nervous is natural which is why you need to control small movements like playing with your pen or scratching your arm. Your body language may be enough to tell interviewers that you’re not ready for the job. Sit up straight and avoid slouching.

As for the things you have to do, you can start with greeting everyone when you enter the room. But if you’re the first person in the room, waiting for your interviewers, stand up immediately once they enter the room and greet them. Use a firm handshake. Try looking comfortable, but not too comfortable – this will make you appear confident and formidable. Take a few seconds before answering questions, and don’t act too eager.

As you can see, I put a heavy value on demeanor during interviews and especially during panel interviews.

Is there anything else you can add that can help people during panel interviews? Feel free to share them with us below.

Hi there! I’m Larry Polhill, a retired career consultant from Arizona. I give advice to people looking to land a job. Visit this page to learn more.